Melania Trump’s path to fame and the American Dream began in her homeland of Slovenia, where she started her modeling career. As a teenager, she moved to the U.S., facing some difficult years before eventually finding success in the highly competitive industry.
Now, at 54, Melania continues to prioritize both her physical and mental well-being. Despite this, some experts speculate that she has undergone plastic surgery or received Botox treatments—claims she has consistently denied.
Melania has long been admired for her looks, and her ability to maintain a youthful appearance is striking. But what’s her secret? One possible factor is her makeup, and an expert has now shared insights into how she achieves her signature look.
Melania and her husband, Donald Trump, have returned to the White House. Four years after leaving office following their loss to Joe Biden, they are back—and the First Lady has stated that this time will be different.
“The difference is I know where I will be going, I know the rooms where we will be living. I know the process. The first time was challenging,” Melania told Fox. “But this time, I have everything—I already packed, I already selected the furniture that needs to go in. So it’s very different.”
The former model is expected to divide her time between the White House, Palm Beach, and New York City. Her and Donald’s son, Barron Trump, began attending New York University’s Stern Business School last fall, and Melania is committed to being there for him as much as possible.
As mentioned, Melania has promised that Donald’s second term will be different for her, and many agree. Speaking to Hello! Magazine, her official photographer, Regine Mahaux, noted that her confidence has grown significantly, and that this time, a different First Lady is stepping into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
“She’s always been hands-on, but she’s more free nowadays to make a statement,” Mahaux said. “She’s a different person than she was eight years ago and has always stayed true to herself. This time, it feels like a new energy, with different people surrounding the President.”
“She’s always in the right place,” he continued. “She stands behind her husband. He’s in the spotlight; she doesn’t need to be. She’s an excellent number two. Her husband always comes first, and I admire that—she has strong family values, believes in being a supportive wife, and prioritizes their happiness.”
Melania’s rise to success began with humble beginnings in Slovenia. As a teenager, she moved to the U.S. to pursue modeling, building an impressive career. Over the years, she has been considered a natural beauty, though this has led to persistent rumors about potential cosmetic procedures.
Speculation has swirled regarding possible plastic surgery, Botox, and lip fillers. Some experts insist she has made subtle alterations, though there is no definitive proof.
“Her face has a stony look from being overfilled and over-Botoxed,” Dr. Franklin Rose told The Skincare Edit.
“Melania’s forehead is as smooth as a baby’s skin, which suggests she’s had liberal amounts of Botox. Her cheeks and the nasolabial lines between her nose and mouth corners likely have fillers. [Her rhinoplasty] is a beautiful job, but whoever is treating her now may be slightly overdoing the injectables.”
Dr. Dev Patel, medical director of Perfect Skin Solutions in Portsmouth, echoed this sentiment, noting that there are “obvious signs” she has likely undergone Botox treatments.
“She was sharing a rather personal account of her background, yet her upper face wasn’t moving in sync with her words. In fact, it wasn’t moving at all. This suggests that her doctor is using Botox in heavy doses,” he explained.
A third expert, Dr. Jag Chana, believes that comparing past and present photos of Melania reveals changes to her nose.
“The nose is narrower, and the tip looks more refined. The minor irregularities along the bridge line suggest an osteotomy, which is a procedure done during rhinoplasty to narrow the nose. Her upper lip also appears fuller than in her younger photos, likely due to lip fillers. Her forehead is completely smooth and wrinkle-free—likely from Botox.”
Dr. Munir Somji adds, “It seems she has had forehead contouring with filler for a more rounded shape, along with Botox to lift the brows. Her face also appears slimmer, possibly due to buccal fat removal, and she has likely had jawline fillers combined with radio frequency tightening for a more chiseled look.”
Dr. Patel also estimated that her potential cosmetic treatments could have cost around $13,000.
“I think few would argue that she looks strikingly beautiful in photos, but with so many people embracing facial aesthetic treatments, it would be surprising if a former model—especially one in the public eye—wasn’t doing the same,” he told The Express.
Melania Denies Cosmetic Procedures
Melania has consistently refuted claims of undergoing plastic surgery. In a 2016 interview with GQ, she dismissed speculation about facial procedures and breast augmentation.
“I didn’t make any changes,” she said. “Many people claim I use all these procedures on my face, but I haven’t done anything. I live a healthy life, take care of my skin and body. I’m against Botox, I’m against injections; I think they damage your face and nerves. It’s all me. I will age gracefully, just like my mother.”
In addition to her non-drinking lifestyle and healthy eating habits, Melania credits makeup for maintaining her youthful appearance. Her makeup artist, Nicole Bryl, previously revealed the secrets behind her flawless look.
“I spend the most time on my client’s skin, ensuring there is always a gentle, flawless glow and that everything is blended perfectly. That’s a skill I never tire of perfecting,” Bryl told Women’s Wear Daily.
Melania herself shared her beauty routine with Refinery29 in 2012, emphasizing skincare.
“I take vitamins and use an oxygen cream moisturizer. Everything is natural—A, C, and E, and I mix them together. Caring for your skin is essential, inside and out, morning to night (especially at night!). You need to remove makeup and moisturize,” she explained.
Melania’s Bold Makeup Choices
How does one achieve Melania’s signature look? Hello! Magazine spoke with celebrity makeup artist Philippa Louise, who revealed that Melania opts for a heavier makeup style—something often discouraged for women in their 50s.
“When you reach your 50s, makeup should be subtle, and application rules should be followed for a sophisticated, effortless look. Makeup should empower, not overpower,” Louise advised.
“There’s nothing worse than caked-on makeup that emphasizes the wrong areas and ages you. Women over 50, like Melania, can pull off a slightly heavier look for major events—provided the right techniques and products are used. Her style is elegant, chic, and sophisticated, and her makeup artist clearly selects the right products for her skin.”
Louise further emphasized that “less is more” when it comes to makeup after a certain age.
“As we age, skin becomes dehydrated, dull, and loses elasticity. Makeup should enhance, not mask. Melania’s look works because her skincare routine is strong. Good skincare is key—it’s an ongoing process that she likely follows religiously. Investing in quality skincare tailored to your complexion makes all the difference.”
While makeup plays a role, maintaining a youthful appearance requires more than just beauty products. Amish Patel, an aesthetics expert, told the Daily Mail that Melania’s healthy habits also contribute to her timeless look.
“She clearly takes care of herself, which is crucial in aging gracefully. A diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, drinking plenty of water, avoiding excess sugar and alcohol, and getting enough sleep all play a part,” Patel said.
Melania’s Exercise and Haircare Secrets
Melania is also said to enjoy Pilates and tennis—two activities that help reduce stress and improve circulation, promoting healthier skin.
Another key factor? Her hair. Experts say that strategic hair color choices can also contribute to a more youthful appearance.